The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on the government’s announcement of a one-year extension to the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) scheme, which was set to expire at the end of this year.
Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier provides a range of options and capital items that together help to deliver a broad range of environmental benefits. The main priorities are to protect and enhance the natural environment, in particular the diversity of wildlife and water quality.
CLA President Victoria Vyvyan said:
“This decision is overdue, but it means farmers who’ve spent years restoring nature can keep going – protecting the wildlife and landscapes we all know and cherish. But it can’t end here.
“It is now urgent that Labour sets out the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme to the end of this parliament. Without this, thousands of farmers will continue to face a funding gap that puts livelihoods and years of environmental progress at risk.
“These are world-leading schemes that could transform British farming – if only government gives them the backing they deserve.”
